Full Title: Critical Energy-Related Minerals: Considerations for State Energy Planning, Policy, and Programs
Author(s): Rodney Sobin, Kirsten Verclas, and Kelsey Jones
Publisher(s): National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO)
Publication Date: September 15, 2022
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):
An energy transition is underway. New technologies, including for power generation, transmission and distribution, energy storage, transportation, manufacturing, and buildings, are arising. They are increasingly deployed to reduce climate-altering emissions, enhance energy reliability and resilience, and strengthen economic competitiveness. They offer not only the hope for a sustainable energy future but also for new and growing economic development opportunities for states in every region of the nation. These technologies also engender worries about reliable availability of the minerals and elements essential to their production. The energy transition will be a commodities transition too.
Many state energy officials and their economic development, environmental, and natural resource management colleagues are considering how energy-related critical mineral and material1 production, processing, and recycling may offer economic opportunities. But they should also be aware of the challenges of developing mines and processing facilities, including siting, environmental, and social impact concerns. It is becoming increasingly important—and time sensitive—for states and their private-sector partners to elevate the importance of supply chain vulnerabilities and risks that may affect the availability and cost of materials needed for producing and using clean energy technologies on which states may rely to meet their environmental, economic, and other objectives. This paper provides an overview of critical minerals considerations for State Energy Office planning, policy, and program activities as well as links to resources for additional exploration.